rimrock or fairmont banff springs
 

Can not decide on which hotel. Any suggestions?

Both are fantastic but if you can afford the Banff Springs, stay there. Even if you don't stay there, please take a drive up to walk around.

Both are excellent properties. Banff Springs has a more majestic feel to it, and the hotel and grounds are just beautiful. The Springs also affords more dining options, although there are many in the Banff townsite. I think if this is your first visit to Banff, you would regret it if you didn't stay at the Springs.

Another vote for Banff Springs. My sister was married at the Rimrock and it is beautiful but can't compare to the Banff Springs.

Both are good - rooms in Banff Springs are very small because it's an old hotel. Grounds are beautiful.
Service is better at Rimrock and also the food is better. Either one you can't go wrong.

>>>>>>rooms in Banff Springs are very small because it's an old hotel<<<<<<

It would be more accurate to say room sizes are inconsistent. Some are humungous, and some are small.

My hypothesis is that the inconsistency in room sizes dates back to the Edwardian era, when the hotel was built. In those days, wealthy Europeans used to travel across Canada by train with their maids and valets. I reckon the servants used to sleep in what are now the smaller guest rooms (but I've never done any research to check if that's true).

Anyway, the room sizes at the Rimrock are consistent. I personally think the Banff Springs has more atmosphere than the Rimrock, though. But I guess it depends what floats your boat.

As others have said, both hotels are great.

My vote would be for Banff Springs. We found no negatives at all and the setting is stunning.

I myself was really disappointed in the Banff Springs hotel. The lobby has been updated in a way that was inconsistent with the original flavor of the hotel. Oak paneling, newer fixtures etc. The setting itself is fabulous.

The Rimrock on the other hand is newer and obviously doesn't have the wonderful history that the BSH has.
The view from the bar area at the Rimrock I thought was as good as it gets anywhere. Really spectactular.

And if you indulge, have a chocolate martini. Their presentation was so special.....

i stayed at the banff springs hotel about 10 yrs ago. it was one of my most memorable vacations. cant say enough about the hotel and property. i did look at the rimrock and it does look great also. so im sure what ever you chose will be great. have a wonderful time!

To me it depends on what your looking for. The best part of the Banff Springs is the building and setting, not the rooms. They do have some excellent rooms but are expensive and hard to get in high season. I recently stayed at the B Springs in a Jr. Suite room with no carpet (wife has asthma)that was great!
My first choice though when I travel to Bannf though is the Rim Rock. I prefer the rooms and better value.

Having just come back from a weekend at the Rimrock, my vote is for that hotel. The setting is beautiful, rooms much more modern than the Banff Springs, food and service was excellent.